In the early hours of Tuesday morning, he was approached by two youths at a taxi rank in Dublingate Street in Athlone who asked him to take them to Coosan.

He became suspicious en route, however, and for his own safety decided to pull over beneath the Athlone bypass.

But as he stopped, he was attacked from behind by the pair, who demanded his money.

The two youths took his entire takings for the night. And for good measure, they ripped his watch from his wrist and made their escape. It is thought that they made off with cash in the region of €100-€130.

Gardaí also confirmed that late on Tuesday afternoon three youths armed with a firearm and an iron bar entered a shop on the Ballymahon road outside Athlone. They threatened and assaulted the shopkeeper, who is in his 70s, before fleeing empty-handed.

The shopkeeper was later taken to Portiuncula Hospital and treated for head injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Athlone Garda Station 090-6498550 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.